Academic Plans
Online. In Person. Hybrid. The format of how learning will be delivered may vary, but our commitment to academic excellence will remain. Ever mindful of ensuring the overall health and safety of our entire community, we will continue to provide those elements that make a Bay Path education distinctive: student support, peer tutoring, faculty mentoring, and academic advising. Your academic success is at the heart of all we do.
As faculty-student interactions are also key in forming a vibrant classroom experience, instructional technology experts and resources will be available to make sure online courses are robust and engaging. When done well, online learning can focus not just on lectures, but on critical thinking, decision making, and group problem-solving.
And if COVID-19 should evolve to require changes in The Path Forward plan, Bay Path is firmly positioned to react and adapt our learning delivery to students. Since 2013, Bay Path has been at the leading edge of providing online learning that is flexible and adaptable, while offering wraparound student support. We are ready.
Quick Facts
> The fall traditional undergraduate semester will follow the normal schedule and begin Tuesday, September 8, 2020.here
How have the fall calendar and classes changed?
Courses running in the fall semester for the 2020-2021 academic year will continue with the same expected start and end dates as planned. The modality (in person, online, or hybrid) of course delivery may vary and will be communicated to students via student schedules and course syllabi. To ensure the health and safety of our entire community, most courses will run in a virtual format for the fall 2020 semester.
A small number of courses may run in a hybrid format allowing for in-person engagement periodically throughout the semester with a set number of classmates. Courses that are available in hybrid format will either have a fully online alternative available, or may be streamed virtually in cases where a student is unable to attend in-person.
New for this academic year is the broader range of undergraduate class offerings in both session-based (6 weeks) or semester-based (15 weeks) schedules allowing for added flexibility. The session-based classes will be in an accelerated format.
The Academic Calendars are available here .
When will I find out if my courses have changed to online for Fall 2020?
As described in our Fall 2020 plan, The Path Forward , courses will be offered either fully online or in a hybrid format combining online and in-person learning.
Changes to course offerings will be completed in the portal by the Registrar's office the week of July 20th. Additional information will be available at that time regarding the specific format and times in which your courses will be delivered.
If your schedule has been impacted, you will be contacted by student support staff to discuss your options.
You may also reach out to your advisor or advising@baypath.edu to address course changes once they are posted.
Why are the majority of courses this fall offered in an online format versus in person?
In order to support the health and safety of our campus community, we feel that it is appropriate to tap into our long-standing expertise in educating and supporting our community of learners in virtual environments. This will allow you to keep to your timeline to graduation with as little disruption as possible.
What is hybrid learning?
The hybrid format combines online learning and in-person class time during the course. In order to keep class gatherings to a safe size, the hybrid format will rotate students into the classroom during half (or fewer) of the scheduled class meetings times for face-to-face engagement with online being the primary delivery method. Students will work with instructors to confirm schedules for in-person meetings.
What is Canvas?
Canvas is one of the best learning management systems (LMS) currently on the market. Nearly ten years ago, Bay Path became one of the first adopters in higher education to utilize Canvas for online learning. Today, Canvas can be found in colleges and universities around the world. Among its many features, Canvas offers discussion boards for asynchronous discussions, chat rooms for live discussions, centralized email (Canvas Conversations), so you can stay in touch with your instructor and communicate with other students, and even a way to submit assignments and take exams. Canvas also provides the tools to support online learning in a variety of ways including structured learning pathways to dynamic, interactive virtual classrooms. How a course is presented online depends on the content and complexity of the learning material, and the instructor.
What technology improvements will be implemented for online and hybrid learning?
Bay Path University has been delivering education through online and hybrid formats for over ten years. Utilizing the Canvas learning management system (LMS) students are able to access their courses, engage with instructors and peers, and achieve educational outcomes. Faculty and student support staff are committed to your success and will work with you to problem solve at any point along the way!
Technology enhancements have been made during this time. We have increased pro accounts for Zoom to support expanded live meetings and have worked to make popular learning softwares available online and on campus. More classrooms will be equipped with microphones and webcams to enable live streaming and recording of campus meetings.
What are the technology requirements for online courses at Bay Path?
Technology requirements can be found in the knowledge base of the help system. technology support center to complete a help request or call 413.565.1487.
Will I still be charged for lab fees if my classes are online?
Yes. We fully intend to offer a vibrant lab experience, whether your labs are on ground or online. The intent is to replicate what you would learn on ground to the online environment, which may consist of using software, virtual tools, and materials remotely to achieve the same results.
Will Hatch Library be open?
All resources and supports through the Hatch Library will be made available virtually through the fall semester. The use of space within Hatch will be modified to align with our safety guidelines and protocols. More information will follow on reserving space, accessing items from Hatch, and scheduling appointments with library staff.
Where will I get textbooks?
Follett, our campus bookstore provider, is a full-service online bookstore that can be accessed through the Bay Path website, or by clicking here . Books may be ordered online and delivered directly to your home.
How will social distancing be practiced in the classroom?
In classrooms, social distancing will be practiced by separating learning spaces by a minimum of six feet. Students will be instructed to maintain space when entering and exiting the room. Traffic flow will be indicated throughout buildings with signage to minimize crowding. Masks are always required. Streaming may be available for those that are unable to attend in person.
Will an alternative grading option once again be available for fall classes?
No. Bay Path University will resume usual grading procedures in Fall 2020.
What if I find myself unable to participate in my academics in the format or timeline expected due to COVID-related circumstances?
Bay Path University will make every effort to support all students with completion towards graduation. If you would like to request a waiver or an adjustment for the fall due to extenuating circumstances that would impact your ability to participate in your academics, you will be asked to complete a form. Your advisor will assist you.
Will my professors have in-person office hours and can I meet with my advisor?
To protect the health of our community, all meetings will be conducted virtually until further notice. You can schedule appointments directly with your advisor. Your advisor and their contact information are available in the portal.
Can I be on campus now to schedule classes & meet with my advisor?
Changes to the fall 2020 schedule will be made by the Registrar’s office by mid-July. Students impacted by changes to the fall 2020 course offerings will be contacted by a member of the student support staff. You may view your schedule on the Bay Path Portal . You are encouraged to reach out to your advisor or contact advising@baypath.edu for additional assistance.
How will tutoring take place?
Tutoring sessions will be conducted virtually throughout the fall semester. You can schedule with peer tutors through the academic resource center or use the external tutoring providers who can be accessed via a link within the Canvas classroom.
Instructions on how to schedule an appointment can be found here .
Will I be able to take music lessons?
Music lessons will be conducted virtually this fall, and additional information will be forthcoming on opportunities to engage in creative performances.
Will students have their exams prior to the Thanksgiving break?
The schedule will remain the same, although all exams might be conducted online.
For the most part, course experiences, level of support, and available resources at The American Women’s College should continue without interruption. The academic calendar and timing of sessions has been communicated and student schedules have been adjusted accordingly. However, should you have any questions please contact your advisor or tawcadvising@baypath.edu or contact 413.342.1144.
